Commander to testify before Congress

Legislative Update

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National Commander Fang A. Wong will address a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees today, touching on issues such as veterans unemployment, the claims backlog, and post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.

Any member of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion can attend the national commander's testimony, which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building on 1st and C St. NE.

Those who cannot attend the testimony in person can get video highlights on www.legion.org. Point papers and other documents will also be available on the Legion website.

After Wong testifies, Legionnaires will descend upon Capitol Hill to meet with their respective senators and representatives, sharing issues of concern that the Legion has, including veterans benefits and a double-digit unemployment rate among veterans.

"What's very important for us is what happens after (Wong's testimony)," the national commander told Legionnaires during a Tuesday legislative briefing. "You all need to carry the ball to the finish line. Stick to the basic issues ... and remember that all politics are local. Remind them that you represent a large portion of their voting bloc. Let them know that we will support them if they support us.

"When they see The American Legion cap, they know you represent 2.4 million members of The American Legion and 24 million veterans. You speak with a very big stick."